Knowing the Holy Spirit

Misconceptions regarding the Holy Spirit abound. Some think of Him as a "force", a "power", to be called in for "special tasks". Some people are even afraid of Him and unsure of His true identity and purpose. Others consider Him afar off and unreachable. Our opinion of the God's Holy Spirit must be based on the Word of God and His truth, not on hand-me-down fears, misunderstandings and ignorance.

1. Who is the Holy Spirit? Romans 8:9 He is the spirit of Christ - God's Spirit. He is almighty, omnipresent, omniscient and omnipowerful. He has the same nature as God - essentially love.

2. All things are done through him Zechariah 4:6 John 14:16-17 Christ is now in heaven. The Holy Spirit does God's work: a. In His church. b. In the world.

3. In order to fully experience the Christian life, we must know the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit in the life of Jesus: a. He caused Jesus' conception - Matt 1:18 b. He anointed Him for His ministry - Matt 3:16 c. He directed Jesus into the wilderness - Matt 4:1 d. Jesus' entire ministry was under the Holy Spirit's direction and power – Matt 12:28 e. Jesus was raised from the dead by the Spirit's power.

The Holy Spirit in the life of the believer: a. We are born-again by the Spirit - John 3:3-8 b. The Spirit is the life-giver - John 6:63 c. You cannot belong to Christ without the Spirit - Rom 8:9 d. You cannot be a member of Christ's body without the Spirit - 1Cor 12:13 e. The Spirit confirms the life of Jesus in us – 1 John 3:24

4. The Holy Spirit's relationship with us a. He has made us - Job 33:4 Intimate knowledge of us - not afar off. Unique personal relationship. Understands us completely. b. He lives (dwells) in us - 1Cor 3:16 Close companion - no one can be closer than someone who lives in you. This scripture illustrates how close God desires for you to be to Him - even to the point of Him dwelling in you. c. We have fellowship with Him - 2Cor13:14 Supernatural friendship - love, care, concern. 5. The Holy Spirit's dealings with us a. He guides us - John 16:13 He guides - doesn't drive, force or push. Constantly re-directs us (He knows the best way for us). Concerned for us to follow the right path. b. He teaches us - John 14:26 He teaches - doesn't dictate. Imparts eternal truth. Brings growth. Is patient and encourages us. c. He empowers us - Acts 1:8 His power - gives us of Himself. Enables us to live the Christian life. Provides the means to fulfill any God-given task. d. He transforms us - 2Cor 3:18 Into Jesus’ likeness. Changes our lives - our nature and behavior. We benefit now and eternally. e. He testifies with our spirit - Rom 8:16 Confirms and gives us our identity in Christ. Gives us our experience and understanding of the Father and Jesus.

6. Who can know the Holy Spirit? - Acts 2:38&39 How close can you get to Him? As close as you want to.

7. How can we know the Holy Spirit? a. Learn about Him - through God's Word. b. Speak to Him - through prayer. c. Experience Him - through the baptism in the Holy Spirit. d. Love Him - through fellowship with Him.

Remember - the Holy Spirit is God. He is a person and desires to have a relationship with you - He made you and lives in you. He guides, teaches, empowers and transforms you. He confirms and gives you your identity in God. He loves you and desires God's best for you.

Don't be afraid of Him - get to know Him!

Filled with the Holy Spirit

Luke 1:40,41 40 where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. 41When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit Luke 1:67 67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: Luke 2:25 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. Luke 4:1 1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, Luke 10:21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. John 14:26 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 1:21,22 21 Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. John 1:32-34 32 Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' 34 I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God." Acts 1:1,2 1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. Acts 1:4,5 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." Acts 1:8 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 2:1-4 1When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:33 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. Acts 8:14-17 14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 10:44-47 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, 47 "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have. Acts 19:3-7 3 So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?" "John's baptism," they replied. 4 Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all.